Project Director, Eviction Diversion Initiative (Downstate New York)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Center for Justice Innovation seeks a Project Director to oversee operations of the Eviction Diversion Initiative (“EDI”) in Downstate New York. EDI Downstate operates in New York City (Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan housing courts) and on Long Island (Suffolk County District Court). Launched in late 2022, EDI is a partnership between the Center for Justice Innovation and the New York State Unified Court System. EDI’s mission is to ensure tenants and their families can access the holistic resources needed to maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing, while advancing data-driven, harm-reduction approaches to housing court practice through close collaboration with courts, government agencies, and community stakeholders. 

Reporting to the Director of Housing Justice Initiatives, the Project Director will lead all aspects of EDI Downstate operations, strategy, and growth across New York City and Long Island. This role includes overseeing daily program operations; supervising, training, and supporting staff; managing partnerships, contracts, and budgets; and representing the Center in citywide and regional forums. The Project Director will also advance long-term strategic planning, fundraising, and innovation efforts, with a particular focus on strengthening existing sites in Brooklyn and Suffolk County and launching EDI in new locations. 

• Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of all EDI programming and services across New York City and Long Island;
• Oversee daily operations, including staffing, supervision, training, administrative systems, and service delivery;
• Manage budgets, contracts, fiscal reporting, and program data to ensure compliance with funder requirements and achievement of performance deliverables;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with courts, judges, clerks, court administrators, tenant and landlord attorneys, city and county agencies, public officials, and community-based organizations;
• Develop and manage partnerships that connect participants to legal services, rental arrears support, public benefits, mental health services, employment resources, and financial empowerment services;
• Work with stakeholders to troubleshoot operational challenges and develop new systems in response to evolving laws, policies, or court initiatives; 
• Champion co-design principles by meaningfully involving individuals with lived experience in program design, operations, and policy influence;
• Ensure staff provide high-quality, rights-based education, clinical support, and services to participants;
• Lead fundraising and grant management efforts, including identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals, progress reports, and related materials;
• Collaborate closely with Center-wide departments (Fiscal, Development, People Department, Legal, IT, Communications, and Administration) to support EDI and broader organizational goals;
• Facilitate regular staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, and team-building activities that promote collaboration, innovation, and an inclusive workplace culture;
• Represent the Center at meetings, panels, trainings, and public forums; oversee development of outreach, marketing, and social media materials; and 
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (JD or relevant Master’s) with 4-5 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 6-7years of progressively responsible experience in project management, and leadership required;
• At least 2-3 years of experience managing a team and supervising staff required;
• Strong preference for experience practicing in or navigating NYC Housing Court and public benefit systems;
• At least 3 years of experience managing substantial budgets and grant-funded programs preferred; 
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing teams, including managing multiple staff simultaneously;
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to balance immediate operational needs with long-term planning;
• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills; ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders;
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve strategic objectives. 
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and innovative, with sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy; and
• Commitment to the mission, values, and populations served by the Center for Justice Innovation. 

Position Type: Full-time, Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Position Location: New York City and Long Island; significant travel within NYC and regular travel to Suffolk County required. 

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $111,200 - $120,000 and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.